DUBLIN – Demetrious McKelvie’s two-out double to left field in the top of the ninth inning scored Chad Malpass and Jonathan Reaves with the game-deciding runs Tuesday in the East Columbus Gators’ season-opening 7-5 baseball victory over the host West Bladen Knights.

East Columbus held 5-3 lead and was one away from wrapping the game up in the bottom of the seventh inning when West Bladen rallied for two runs to tie the game and send it into extra innings.

Malpass was the winning pitcher in relief of Reaves. Reaves and McKelvie each had two hits for young Stallion squad.

“We’re starting a lot of sophomores and freshmen so coming away with a win in the first game is encouraging,” said Gator head coach Karl Bracey. “Going extra innings the first time out hopefully gave our young guys some extra experience that area.”

The Gators had eight hits and committed four errors. West Bladen had nine hits and made two errors.

Sweeney had a double and triple for West Bladen while Brisson and Poythress also had two hits.

East Columbus will entertain West Columbus on Friday at 5 p.m.

Reaves, Malpass (4) and Williamson; Hill, Hedgepeth, Banner and Ward.